Fire Shut Up in My Bones

By: Charles M. Blow

Narrated by: Leon Nixon

A New York Times Notable Book | Lambda Literary Award Winner | Long-listed for the PEN Open Book Award

“Charles Blow is the James Baldwin of our age.” — Washington Blade

“[An] exquisite memoir . . . Delicately wrought and arresting.” — New York Times

Universally praised on its publication, Fire Shut Up in My Bones is a pioneering journalist’s indelible coming-of-age tale.

Charles M. Blow’s mother was a fiercely driven woman with five sons, brass knuckles in her glove box, and a job plucking poultry at a factory near their segregated Louisiana town, where slavery's legacy felt close. When her philandering husband finally pushed her over the edge, she fired a pistol at his fleeing back, missing every shot, thanks to “love that blurred her vision and bent the barrel.” Charles was the baby of the family, fiercely attached to his “do-right” mother. Until one day that divided his life into Before and After—the day an older cousin took advantage of the young boy. The story of how Charles escaped that world to become one of America’s most innovative and respected public figures is a stirring, redemptive journey that works its way into the deepest chambers of the heart.

“Stunning . . . Blow’s words grab hold of you . . . [and] lead you to a place of healing.” — Essence

“The memoir of the year.” — A. V. Club

Riveting story of a man with buckets of grit

I’m guessing this white woman of a certain age has little idea what it cost a black man of his stature to reveal these details. The childhood abuse, the reenactment of abuse in his fraternity, and the subsequent impact of the abuse is a lot. I respect the boundaries he chose to erect, even while disclosing his story. That said, I would have appreciated more, especially any particulars about the therapy he might have pursued to support his healing journey.

His story, his truth— GREAT READ!

I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Blow on several occasions. His story, his truth, really resonates with me deeply. The way he expressed his vulnerabilities and life experiences is fantastic. This is an excellent read that I highly recommend. Thank you, my fellow Gramblinite.